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“Well, well, well, it looks like I have guests.” said Jaejin, who suddenly threw the door wide open.

Sunghoon who was frightened by Danny’s story, walked slowly. Using Jiwon’s back as his shield, trying to hide his body using Jiwon’s.

“Oh, hello,” Jiwon said while he tried to hide his surprise because of Jaejin’s sudden appearance.

“I’m Eun Jiwon and this…”

“Kang Sunghoon.” said Jaejin with a smile. “No need for introductions since the whole school knows who you two are and that you are looking for me.”

“Oh.” Jiwon scratched his head. He glanced at his back, to the hiding Sunghoon and said

“Then you already know why we are here?”

“I know a little but I still have questions to ask later if we agree.”

“Agree on what?” Jiwon asked, trying to ignore the fact that Sunghoon is now gripping his arm tightly, trembling with fear when he heard ‘agree’.

“I will agree to join the project boyband, if you both grant my wish.” He said looking straight at Sunghoon who was hiding behind Jiwon, “Don’t be afraid Kang Sunghoon, I just want to ask you both to be my painting subjects.”

“Your painting subject? Oh…okay. I agree.”

“Hyuuungg ~” Sunghoon whined from Jiwon’s back, “I’m scared.”

Jiwon turned to face Sunghoon and asked, “Why?”

“Hyung forgot that Jaejin hyung paints without any clothes?” Sunghoon whispered as he was worried Jaejin would hear his whisper.

“Oh shit, I forgot.” said Jiwon, who turned back to face Jaejin, “Do you always paint topless?”

“Topless allows me to be freer to paint without having to worry that I’ll mess up my clothes with paint.” Jaejin said clearly, who later realizes Sunghoon is afraid of the fact that he’s always topless when painting, “but if Sunghoon minds, I’ll try another method.”

Sunghoon grabbed Jiwon’s arm and whispered, “Is that method as strange as the topless painting method?”

“Hyuuuunngg, you promised to protect me if he did a strange thing right?” Sunghoon’s whined.

Seeing Sunghoon sulking, Jiwon had no choice but to turn towards Jaejin and ask, “Can you explain what that other method is like?”

“Oh that. All I need to do is take a picture of you two and I’ll paint from the picture I’ve taken.”

Jiwon stared at Sunghoon who finally stopped gripped his arm and said, “There’s nothing else you need to worry about okay?”

“Hyung, you’re too quick to come to a conclusion.” Sunghoon whispered, “We do not know what Jaejin hyung’s attitude is during the project, so please, Hyung must protect me until the project ends.”

“Keeping an eye out for a troublesome boy like you is the responsibility of a leader, stupid!”

Jiwon said while messing up Sunghoon’s hair.

PRESENT TIME

Jiwon may have fallen asleep for a moment or he must have hallucinated because he thinks he saw the photo Jaejin took fifteen years ago. Jiwon is not so sure…Jiwon rubbed his eyes and tried to sort out his mind. His hands grabbed the report Jiyong had sent him earlier that day. ‘Too coincidental,’ he thought. Suwon and Jaejin have been talking to him about the rumors that Sunghoon has been in Japan for the past month. And the results of the survey is obliging him to go to Japan is making him hesitate if he could still trust all the nonsense that Sunghoon said before he disappeared.

Jiwon sighed, and pressed the dial button on his cell phone.

“Jiwon hyung? Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Uhm, Jiyong-ah.” Jiwon said hesitantly, “I want to ask about the survey results.”

“What’s with the survey results?”

“I mean, are the results accurate?”

“Oh.” said Jiyong and finally understood, “Hyung must be accusing me of scheming with Suwon and Jaejin hyung so we can immediately make you go to Japan, right?”

“Well…”

“You must be surprised why the survey results did not include Kyoto at all, right?”

“I mean, Saitama has never been popular as a tourist destination, it’s obviously less popular than Nagano.”

“Indeed, but as the closest city to reach from Tokyo, Saitama has an important role, hyung.

Saitama offers a mountainous and serene scene that we cannot get in Tokyo.” Jiyong said patiently. “Also, Saitama became more popular since Jung Joonyoung recommended Saitama as a vacation spot on Battle Trip a few weeks ago.”

Jiwon paused for a moment and said, “Okay, I understand, that means my suspicions are completely unfounded.”

“You can see the raw data if you want,” Jiyong pretended to be offended, “I am being professional, despite the rumors that Sunghoon is in Japan and being tempted to death to manipulate the survey results.”

Jiwon chuckled and made Jiyong felt a little relieved, “I know you will not be that conniving, Jiyong-ah”

“Indeed.” Jiyong said, “That can destroy my reputation as the number one survey agency in Korea.”

“Of course.”

“Hyung, I can drink with you whenever you want.”

“Thank you, but I think I’ll be busy in the next few days or months.”

“I understand hyung, but hyung can we talk again later?” I have dinner with my boss.”

“Oh, okay, take care.”

“Eung ~”

Jiyong presses the red button on his cell phone screen, and put the phone back on the table.

“He guessed you were manipulating the survey results?”

“Wow,” Jaeduk said admiringly, staring at Jaejin who chewed his chicken with a flat expression, “You can guess the contents of the conversation?”

“Ck,” sneered Suwon, who chuckled at his chicken, “Working with Jiwon hyung requires you to speak to the facts.”

“Is that why you guys have been pushing me to work on the survey since last month so Jiwon hyung is pushed to go to Japan?”

“Yep.” Said Jaejin who drank his beer, “We’ll never know how long Sunghoon stays in Japan before he disappears again.”

“Never mind, we just need to pray that Jiwon goes to Saitama as soon as possible.” Jaeduk said lightly

“Yeah.” Said Suwon who just took a sip of beer, “That is, if Jiwon hyung does not dream tonight.”

***

YG Academy, 1997

“I heard you made a requirement for Jiwon and Sunghoon, right?”

“Yes songsaenim.” Jaejin said calmly as he handed the photo that he had just printed yesterday afternoon to Mrs. Park.

“What is this?”

“The terms I have for Jiwon and Sunghoon.”

“Eh?”

“So, songsaenim,” Sunghoon said quietly, “Jaejin hyung is willing to join the boyband project as long as Jiwon hyung and I agree to be the subject of his painting.”

“Painting? But this…”

“The way he painted it was like that. He took pictures of his subjects and then painted them based on the photographs.” Jiwon said.

“Oh.” Said Mrs. Park, flicking through the photos she held, “I admit you have good sense, Jaejin. Can I use this photo for future projects?”

Jaejin nodded, “I have tons of photos of them if you need more.”

“You can give it to me later.” said Mrs. Park pleased, “And maybe I’ll need your help again later.”

“Well, I guess Sunghoon will recognize this guy.” said Mrs. Park while handing a photo to Sunghoon.

“Eh? Ko Jiyong?”

“Ko Jiyong? Who is he?” Jiwon asked curiously.

“He’s very famous in our class.” He explained slowly, “as the most unlucky basketball team captain of all time.”

***

“Yah yah yah! Since when did the student council room turn into YG Academy’s boyband training room?” Danny exclaimed when he saw Jaejin dancing in the middle of the room.

“Since you agreed with my aunt to make me a boyband member.”

“Are you still mad at me, Eun Jiwon?”

“Of course stupid ass! How many days do you think I’ve had without a nap?!”

“Oh, my goodness, that’s nonsense.” Danny lost his words once he realized Jiwon and Sunghoon were watching a video of a basketball game between YG Academy and HIGHGRND Private School.

“Wait.” He said slowly, “The fourth member is…the unlucky captain?”

“Bingo.” Jiwon replied wearily, while Sunghoon was still focused on his video, “What a miracle he has not been removed from the basketball team after this match.”

“Well, I’m not sure you can make him leave.” Danny said, “He’s incredibly stubborn. He’s so stubborn staying as a captain even if he cannot lead his team.”

“He is the person I want to avoid the most,” Sunghoon said suddenly, “and I did not think I would be involved in a project with him.”

Danny turned his face to the television, focusing on the basketball game video that Jiwon and Sunghoon were watching, and said, “I suggest you guys go and see their practice this afternoon. I have a good feeling Jiwon will find something interesting later.”

“Like you are a psychic.” Jiwon grumbled. He got up from his chair and signaled to Sunghoon and Jaejin to follow him. “But at least your suggestion makes sense.”

After waiting for Jaejin to put all his painting tools in his bag, (“because I might get a good painting object” he explained) they finally walked to the school gym that is located on the west side.

Jiwon ignored Sunghoon and went straight inside. Snaking through the crowd, he successfully stood as close to the court as possible. Sunghoon and Jaejin stood on either side of him, covering their ears as the audience behind them noisily swore at Jiyong who just lost his ball.

Jiwon stared intently at a confused Ko Jiyong because his ball has just been stolen by an opponent. There is something strange about Jiyong’s movements.

“Jaejin-ah!”

“Uh?”

“Do you have a camera?”

Jaejin shook his head firmly but said, “But I have a camcorder”

Jiwon smiled and said, “Give it to me. We’ll trap Ko Jiyong to quit the basketball team to join us.”

“EH ????”

***

PRESENT TIME

“Are you kidding me?”

Suwon who had just entered the room, stopped walking towards his desk and approached Jaejin instead, “What happened?”

Jaejin choose to ignore Suwon and looked at Jiwon who blatantly avoided his gaze and said, “Sapporo?”

“Sapporo?” Suwon blurted out suddenly while snatching the official travel note Jaejin held.

“HYUNG!”

“Well, do you guys think I’m just doing a survey for Saitama? Of course not, there are some things that I…”

“Coward.”

“What did you just say?”

“I said you’re a coward.” said Jaejin mercilessly as he placed Jiwon’s official travel note on the table, “I’m disappointed you trust your interpretation of your dream more than the information Suwon and I gave.”

“Jaejin-ah, I have to be professional.”

“Oh, come on.” Jaejin said, “Who used to work at a Hyundai factory and desperately looked for an opportunity to do an outside service in Europe and look for Sunghoon like crazy?”

Jiwon paused for quite a while until finally he said, “I’m waiting for the info from Myeonghoon, his brother works at the Korean embassy and he’ll help me figure out whether Kang Sunghoon really is in Japan or not.”

Jaejin just opened his mouth when Suwon finally burst out in anger, “Then why do you have to wait until the survey results come out? Why did not you start looking for it when my girlfriend saw Sunghoon at Saitama station? You should have been suspicious when Jaejin hyung’s cousin also saw Sunghoon In the same area!”

“I…”

“I thought so much of Hyung’s love for Sunghoon, but it turns out,” Suwon sucked in his breath, “for you, Sunghoon is just a friend.”

Jiwon was still silent, staring at Suwon with a cold expression, letting Suwon finish the sentence.

“Now I know why Sunghoon is hiding from you, because you’re never worth fighting for.”

Suwon turned around, picked up his bag and stuff from the table and hurriedly went home.

While Jaejin silently waited for Jiwon to react.

Jiwon sighed and said, “I still cannot change my travel schedule, Lee Jaejin, if you stand here just because you want to see me change the schedule, you better go because I will not change it.”

“You know, Suwon’s right, you never really liked Sunghoon the way he likes you.” Jaejin turned, leaving Jiwon who just threw any item he could reach to the corner of the room.

Suwon’s words really made Jiwon angry. He is too scared to believe that Sunghoon is in Saitama. He did not know if Sunghoon is still the same Sunghoon he knew fifteen years ago.

And most importantly, does Sunghoon still like him as he said fifteen years ago?

Saitama, Nishikawa House

The dark-haired man opened his cell phone, slightly reluctant. It’s been three months since he moved to Nishikawa’s house, leaving his strategic apartment in Tokyo. But there is no other choice, since his adoptive mother, Terumi Nishikawa, died three months ago, and required him to temporarily take care of all Terumi’s assets, while he waits the decision of Terumi-san’s closest family to divide her assets later.

The Nishikawa house is located on the outskirts of Saitama, making it a bit quieter, away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo that sometimes makes him wonder whether his hometown also gives the same busy impression. The man wore his glasses and read the email that just got into his cell phone.

To: nishikawa80@yahoo.co.jp
From: leejaejin@clover.co.kr
Subject: Homestay Survey Request
Hello, Mr. Nishikawa
Your application to become one of the homestay service providers
in Saitama has been approved. For the next step, we will conduct
a survey to see the condition of the house that you proposed as
a homestay. Please confirm if you are willing to be surveyed on:
Day: Friday - Sunday
Date: 6-8 May 2017
Please reply to this email as soon as possible. Thank you for
your attention.
Regards,
Lee Jaejin
Clover Travel Agent

“Oh…” he said surprised, “I have to ask for Sayaka’s help to clean up. It’s less than a week.”

The man pressed the dial button on his cell phone, waited for a moment before said in relieved tone, “Sayaka..”

“Why, you want to ask for help, right?”

“My application was approved, they want to see the house this Friday.”

“Oh.” said Sayaka slowly, trying to think the words that the man has said, “Wait, Yuu. You said, Friday?”

“Yeah.”

“YAH STUPID! FRIDAY IS TWO DAYS LATER!”

“Sayaka, calm down.” Yuu replied, a little panicked, it could be disastrous if Sayaka wouldn’t help him, “I just want you to judge whether Nishikawa’s house is worth it or not.”

“You say that now but at the end you will ask me to help you clean Nishikawa’s house right?”

Yuu laughed. Sayaka has never been wrong in guessing some of his habits. “So will you?”

“Well, since you have almost no friends here, it means I have to help you.”

“Thank you, Sayaka.”

“By the way, have you made up with Kaoru?”

“Err…not yet.”

“Ck, I think you’ve made up somehow, considering you’re finally doing Kaoru’s suggestion to make Nishikawa’s house a homestay.”

“I admit, it’s a pretty good suggestion, but I’m reluctant to hear her nonsense about my first love.”

“Yes…yes…yes…” cut Sayaka, “I do not think I want to hear it too, Yuu.”

“Can you come here soon?”

“Only if you buy me sushi.”

“Okay, okay. I need to have a good image Sayaka.”

***

“Nishikawa…uhhh”

Jaejin glanced at Suwon, who was pacing back and forth in the room, and said, “What’s with Nishikawa?” Suwon looked at Jiwon’s desk and said, “You told me, that Jiwon hyung is going to survey Nishikawa’s place, right?”

“Yep.”

“Uhhh…this is complicated”

“Suwon, just say it straight.”

“Hyung, I think we made a big mistake.” said Suwon as he swallowed, “I think the Nishikawa family has a special relationship with Kang Sunghoon’s family.”

“What if….” Suwon said slowly and carefully, “What if I know where Sunghoon is right now?”

“Tsk.” Jiwon let out bitter laugh and lighted his cigarette, “And you will give me wrong information again. I remember how I rushed to Guilin and when I arrived, there’s no one there who knows who Sunghoon is.”

Suwon looked down and said, “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t know my informant would give me wrong information. Are you mad at me because you lost your brand new Benz to pay for that information? Only to find out that it’s wrong?”

“The fact that the informant deceived me makes me mad, Suwon. I’ve been thinking of cutting our friendship, but if I do that, who will hear my repeated dream story?”

Suwon said frustrated, “Hyung. I guarantee 100%. Sunghoon is in Japan now.”

“I don’t want to hear that, Suwon.”

“Why?”

“Sunghoon told me, he would run away to France, USA and Singapore. Not Japan.”

“Hyung! Why are you not listening?! This is true!”

“Who says it is true?” Jiwon tried to not exploded, “Have you gone to Japan and meet Sunghoon there?”

“Well, I didn’t do that.”

“So, that rumor is considered false!”

“Hyung! I swear! Someone saw Sunghoon in Saitama Station a couple of weeks ago!”

“Who is someone? Jaejin? Jaeduk? Jiyong? Danny? Chilhyun?”

“Not them, but I swear it’s Sunghoon!” Suwon insisted.

“I won’t believe it unless one of them saw Sunghoon.”

“Hyung…”

“Suwon-ah.” said Jiwon as he suddenly threw the cigarette butt and patted his shoulder, “Just…let’s get back to the work, okay? I have tons of papers to review. We’ll have time to discuss the possibility of Sunghoon in Japan in the future, okay?”

Suwon tried to talk back, but Jiwon’s bitter smile made him stop. He followed Jiwon back to their office dejected.

Jaejin looked so excited when Jiwon and Suwon came back. He waited until Jiwon sat on his desk and whispered to Suwon beside him, “So?”

“Yes, I know hyung. My girlfriend said she saw Sunghoon in the same area where your cousin saw him.” Suwon sighed. “Just wait until he dreams again tonight. He’ll be rushing to Japan because the recent rumor is true.”

“Jaejin-ah! Please come here. I need your help.” Jiwon asked.

Jaejin smiles to Suwon and cheers him, “it’s okay Suwon. He will regret it because he didn’t listen to you.” And yelled to Jiwon “I’m coming hyung!”

“You’re bad hyung! I thought we are best friends but I’m the only one who didn’t know you are going to France!”

“Sorry.” Jiwon said and ruffled Sunghoon’s hair, “I didn’t know how to tell you about my short course in Paris.”

Sunghoon moved Jiwon’s hand from his hair and hugged Jiwon, “I’ll miss you a lot, hyung.”

“Sunghoon-ah, we can still phone each other! Plus, I’ll be back one day after your graduation!”

Sunghoon broke their hugs and gave Jiwon the most bitter smile he’d ever given him.

PRESENT TIME

“Hyung! Hyung!” Suwon tapped Jiwon shoulder, “Are you okay?”

Jiwon opened his eyes, and momentarily looked confused. He took a deep breath before answering Suwon’s question, “I guess I’m okay.”

Suwon sighed and asked, “You dreamt about Sunghoon again?”

“Yes. But it’s strange.” Jiwon said as he pulled his hair frustrated, “Usually my dreams about him is in chronological order. From the moment I asked him to join the boygroup until the last moment I saw him. Just now, I was dreaming about the last moment I saw him but yesterday I dreamt about asking him to join the boygroup.”

Suwon sat on Jiwon’s desk and said, “Hyung, listen. It’s just my stupid assumption, but I think Sunghoon is giving you hints about the rumor I mentioned before.”

Jiwon freezes for a moment. Did Suwon see him cry when he accidentally fell asleep ten minutes ago? Jiwon knows how bad the effect of Sunghoon missing is. Sunghoon’s missing case turned Jiwon into a crazy man who would do anything to find Sunghoon.

“I’m sorry hyung, I can’t hold it anymore. I know you always cry in your sleep and the reason you built this company, hiring me and Jaejin, is so you can go to wherever Sunghoon might be.” Jiwon smiled at Suwon who looked so apologetic and said, “It’s okay Suwon. That is a fact.” Clover Travel Agent, is one of the biggest travel agent in South Korea. Jiwon worked as a marketing staff in this company. Seeing the existing business opportunities, Jiwon proposed to the CEO, to make a brand new travel package that other travel agent don’t have. The famous Clover’s travel package is a customized travel package so you can have an itinerary same like the famous travel blogger, Sandara Park. Jiwon also made an innovation which he visited unknown tourist spots, and recommended it to other travel bloggers who love to visit unknown tourist destinations. With that innovation, Jiwon made Clover Travel Agent as the biggest travel agent in South Korea. Then he begged Suwon, who was successful as a food blogger after he graduated from cooking academy, to join Clover and help Jiwon make a travel package which includes famous tourist spots and restaurants.

When Suwon joined the company, he suggested to Jiwon to recruit Jaejin, because Jaejin knows how to take good photos. After Jaejin and Jiwon made another travel package for those who love photography, it made Clover the No.1 searched travel agent in South Korea.

“Just take a rest for tonight hyung. You look so pale.”

“That’s a good idea. Jiyong is still doing his research and until he finishes it, I can’t do anything.”

Suwon waited for Jiwon to tidy up his desk before leaving and said “Let’s go. I’ll drive you to Yeouido tonight.”

“Thanks.”

***

YG ACADEMY, FEBRUARY 1998

“Just talk to Sunghoon-ssi after he cleans up this mess.”

“But…Ms. Park told me that Sunghoon must go to the headmaster’s room as soon as possible.”

“You’re not lying, are you?”

“Miss, I swear I’m not lying. Go ask Ms. Park if you do not believe me.”

Jiwon looked a bit surprised and asked back, “Umm. I guess you know Ms. Park’s plan for the summer festival?”

“Of course I know. She asked Mr. Yang to compose some songs for that plan since December.” Ms. Shin tried hard not to roll her eyes and sighed, “Okay then. Sunghoon can go with you but please tell her that Sunghoon just caused another trouble in the chemistry laboratory.”

“I will. Thank you Miss.”

“Kang Sunghoon!” Mrs. Shin called Sunghoon who is still busy cleaning the fume hood, “Ms. Park is calling for you!”

Sunghoon seemed surprised because not long after Mrs. Shin finished her sentence, Sunghoon broke an Erlenmeyer flask and answered, “O-okay Miss.”

“Just leave the Erlenmeyer flask. The laboratory assistant will clean the mess after you leave.”

Sunghoon came out from the laboratory and followed Jiwon to the headmaster’s room, and quietly asked, “Why did Ms. Park call for me?”

“My name is Jiwon, and I’m older than you, so you must call me Jiwon hyung.” Jiwon said strictly and led Sunghoon to the student council room. He waited for Sunghoon to enter the room and locked the door.

“Listen, I need your help.” Jiwon said and looked into Sunghoon’s eyes, tried to convince him, “My aunt will ask you to join a boyband project and I hope you’ll help me by rejecting the offer.”

“Me? Boyband? Your aunt? I don’t understand.”

Jiwon sighed and explained, “My aunt is our headmaster, Ms. Park. She wants to make a boyband performance on Summer Festival. The boyband will be consisting of YG Academy’s high school students. The very first member is me and I hate this idea, so I hope you will reject this offer so that she will stop this project.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go on.”

“Why did she choose you? And me? I don’t have any interest in music.”

“She chose me because she loves my rap. And she chose you because it’s a waste seeing you choose to become a chemist instead of a singer. She said that your voice is above the average person.”

“Then let’s go to the headmaster’s room.” Jiwon unlocked the door and led Sunghoon to the headmaster’s room.

Jiwon and Sunghoon didn’t know that Danny heard their entire conversation. Danny smiled and said to himself, “Ms. Park’s prediction is true. But Jiwon is still losing anyway. Ms. Park dangled her trump card under Jiwon’s nose.”

***

“YOU SAID YOU’LL HELP ME!!”

“I know, hyung, I know.” Sunghoon said repeatedly, tried to make Jiwon calm down, “But I need those reference letters if I want to continue my study at MIT!”

“BOY, YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND…..”

“Hyung, really, I know what you are feeling right now. We both didn’t have any confidence to show our talents in music, but trust me. I’ll make it work.”

Jiwon is still angry. He tried to calm down by looking out the window. When he felt his anger subside, he said, “You really want to become a chemist then.”

“Yes. And I’m really sorry. I’ll do everything until you stop being mad at me.”

***

“So….basically he is your slave?” Myeonghoon whispered to Jiwon, “He follows you everywhere!”

“First, he is not my slave. Second, he follows me because we were told to do so.”

“You accepted Ms. Park’s idea? Whoa. This is new.”

Jiwon gave Myeonghoon a bitter laugh and replied, “I just don’t want someone’s dream shattered because of me.”

“Uh?”

Sunghoon knocked on Jiwon’s classroom door, “I’m sorry but I think I need to talk to Jiwon hyung.”

Jiwon got up from his chair, and said, “Wae, Hoon-ah?”

“I think I found Jaejin hyung….”

Jiwon scratched his head first, “Okay then. Let’s go.”

Sunghoon led him to the rooftop. Before he opened the door, he turned and said, “Actually, I’m scared right now. Danny hyung gave me Jaejin hyung’s personal information and he warned me that Jaejin hyung is strange.”

“Huh? Why?”

Sunghoon looked around the stairs, making sure that no one else is on the stairs except him and Jiwon.

“Jaejin hyung loves to draw while he is topless.” Sunghoon shivered and said, “He’s really like a perverted person!”

Jiwon laughed and said, “Maybe his brain works well when he is topless.”

“Hyung.”

“Hmm?”

“If…if Jaejin hyung starts to act like a pervert…ummm can you please protect me?”

“Huh?” Jiwon asked back, “Hoon-ah, He is a normal person!”

“Just…in case.” Sunghoon pleaded, “Pleeeeeeease”

“Okay…okay…Now, let’s just meet him first and I’ll protect you later!”

“Well, well, well, it looks like I have guests.” said Jaejin, who suddenly threw the door wide open.

PRESENT TIME

“Damn…”

Jiwon massaged his temples. He’s dizzy after suddenly waking up like that. He looked at the clock and realized that he is at the office and fell asleep again. Just like yesterday. He looked around, trying to find a reason as to why he suddenly woke up.

“Eun Jiwon hyung, did you hear me?” Jaejin yelled. His voice must be the reason.

“Hear what?” Jiwon still massaging his temple. He went over to Jaejin’s chair. “Sorry, I’m just thinking about Jaedukie’s review about a Vietnam restaurant at Chungdam.”

“Just say sorry to us, me and Suwon, right now.”

“Sorry for?”

“For not believing me and Suwon that Sunghoon is in Japan.” Jaejin said while grinning.

“I don’t under…”

Jaejin threw the research report from Jiyong to his table and stood up, “Go there and you will know why Suwon and I insisted that Sunghoon is in Japan.”

SURVEY RESULT: 95% CHOOSE SAITAMA AS A FAVORITE PLACE FOR 2018 SUMMER VACATION

As soon as the bell rang, Jiwon got up from his chair and rushed out of classroom. He didn’t want to go on a meeting about the summer festival. He just wanted to go home early and have more sleep.

Unfortunately Myeonghoon followed him from the moment he left the classroom. Jiwon knows that Myeonghoon is following him because Danny told him to do it every time he tried to escape or skip a meeting.

“So…” Jiwon said and he turned to face Myeonghoon, “What do you want?”

“Because I’m bored. Danny’s plan is not to have any guest star like the summer festival last year. So it will be the worst summer festival ever.”

“I see. Since you are bored, please don’t follow me.”

“But you are the only person who bravely skip the meeting. So I’ll follow you.”

“Just don’t. I decide to skip the meeting because I want to finish my math project.”

“Don’t lie. I know that your math project has been finished since two days ago.”

“Shit.” Jiwon started to run as fast as he can, trying to make a wide gap so Myeonghoon can’t follow him. He turned but suddenly he ran into someone. Jiwon lost his balance and fell on the floor.

“USE YOUR EYES, STUPID!” Jiwon yelled to that person and realizes that person was Eric, the 2D class president.

Eric just turned his head and checked if Jiwon is okay then gave Jiwon an apologetic bow and continued on his way. Jiwon tried to stand up as he heard two footsteps trying to catch up to him and someone yell to him, “THINKING TO SKIP THE MEETING AGAIN, EUN JIWONSSI?”

‘Crap. He caught me’ Jiwon stood up and tried to run again, unfortunately Danny was right behind him and yelled again.

Jiwon tried to calm down. He lost against his aunt’s trump card. Jiwon sat quietly on the chair and asked, “So, who is the second member? Danny won’t tell me who he is.”

“I’m still searching the best way to choose the second member. Any idea?”

Jiwon shook his head. His mind was empty. He can’t think because of his aunt’s words before.

Well, his father announced proudly back then, that Eun Jiwon, his only son, will follow his path as a professional marketer. And rap is the only way for Jiwon to forget all his stress due to the great pressure from his father. He tried to remember when he practiced his rap before and he was sure that he was alone in his room. He didn’t have any idea, how his aunt knows that he loves to rap.

“Jiwon-ah, I think the best way to choose the second member is by the lottery.” she said proudly as if she won something. “And the whole YG Academy students are included.”

“Aunt, please think about it again. If students from elementary school were chosen, how can we practice the dancing and singing?”

“You’re right. Well, just high school students will be included right?”

Jiwon nodded and yawned. This situation was far beyond his imagination. He thought that his aunt can pick someone randomly, or pick someone who has a handsome face or have a good voice not by lottery. His aunt suddenly smiles.

“Jiwon-ah.”

“Yes?”

“The lottery result is out.” said his aunt, “The second member is Kang Sunghoon.”

“Are you sure that you use lottery to pick him? That was so quick”

“Well, actually I just want him to be a boygroup member. His voice is so good. It’s just a shame if he wasted his golden voice. Plus, his love for chemistry is illogical. He always blows up the chemistry laboratory every two weeks.”

Jiwon rolled his eyes and said “Whoa, aunty. You are secretly saying that you don’t want him to be a scientist.”

“I just want him to enjoy his high school life.”

“I don’t want to know what are you thinking about him, but can you please let us choose our path by ourselves?”

“Jiwon-ah,” said his aunt with serious tone, “Just go find him and tell him that he will be a boygroup member.”

“But, aunty…”

“Good afternoon, Jiwon-ssi. Have a nice day.”

Jiwon sighed again and greet her, “Good afternoon Ms. Park.”

Jiwon left the headmaster’s room. He has no choice. He needs to find Kang Sunghoon as soon as possible, persuade him to refuse the boygroup idea and they should go back to his aunt and tell her that her plan is rotten.

Jiwon knows nothing of Sunghoon except that he is a year younger than him and Jiwon thought it might be slightly difficult to persuade him. Jiwon went to the student council room, and used his power as a student council vice-president to persuade Sunghoon.

Jiwon turned on the computer and searched for Sunghoon’s profile. He tried to get access to some personal information. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Danny was behind him, watching him with his eagle eyes.

“Trying to find Kang Sunghoon’s weakness, aren’t you?”

Jiwon jumped out from his chair. He was so surprised that Danny would come to the student council room at this time.

“You scared me to the death! Why you are still here, Mr. Perfect?”

“It’s not important why I’m still here. Just answer my question.”

“Tsk. Arrogant. I’m searching for his weakness so I can persuade him to decline my aunt’s idea.”

Danny giggled and said, “He is an obedient person. I bet my only 50,000 won that he will accept that idea.”

Jiwon looked straight into Danny’s eyes. He is not lying right now. Jiwon turned down his head and turned his back to the monitor.

“Actually, your aunt’s idea is not bad. We will save around 500,000 won from the budgeting plan if your aunt’s idea is a success.”

“Of course, you agree with my aunt’s idea. We will be saving some money and you’ll be bullying me until we graduate.”

“That was my point, but I agree with the point that it’s just a shame wasting your talent.”

“My aunt told you everything that we’ve talked before, didn’t she?”

“Maybe.”

Jiwon turned and faced Danny, “Geez this people.”

“Jiwon-ah! Where are you going?” said Danny when Jiwon suddenly got up from his chair and left the student council room. Jiwon didn’t reply as he turned a corridor. He just walked with a stupid thought in his head. The fact that his aunt knows his love for rap is a bad situation, but if Danny knows that fact too, it will be a worse situation. His rap is just so-so, but why does his aunt and Danny insist that his rap is like some blessed talent?

Jiwon has just turned the corridor when he saw white fog come out of the open door and windows of the chemistry laboratory. The fog was so thick and he was not surprised to see the high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Shin, run with a panic expression in her face and shout, “Kang Sunghoon-ssi!! Kang Sunghoon-ssi!!”

Sunghoon walked out of the laboratory a while later, coughed a little and replied, “I’m okay.

Don’t worry Miss. I just forgot that ammonia and hydrochloric acid cannot be put together on the same fume hood. I’m sorry Miss.”

Mrs. Shin tried hard to not roll her eyes and sighed, “I’m giving you a warning. Once again you sneaked into the laboratory without MY PERMISSION, YOU WILL HAVE DETENTION!”

“Yes, Miss. I’m really sorry.”

“Clean the mess! NOW! And don’t forget to tell the laboratory assistant about this incident. He must report this to Ms. Park.” Mrs. Shin said and looked surprised when she saw Jiwon looking so terrified at the white fog, “What are you doing there, Eun Jiwon?”

“Geez, hyung. Sunghoon might be at the other side of the world and you just focused on searching for him in France, USA, and Singapore?”

“Those were the last precious hints before he went missing, Suwon-ah. Even when I tried to search for him with my family’s connections, he and his family cannot be found anywhere in Korea.” Suwon sighed. He misses Kang Sunghoon too but he thought Jiwon could do something better with his family’s influence. How can he suddenly disappear like air after he graduated from YG Academy?

“He….didn’t die right?”

“No. I guarantee it 100%, he is alive somewhere in the world. If he died, he will tell me in my dreams.”

“You dreamt about him again, didn’t you?” Suwon asked.

“Unfortunately, I did.” Jiwon said sadly, “I was really stupid back then, right?”

“You’re still stupid until now.” Suwon replied and said, “Just give up hyung. Even if he is still alive, maybe he is married to someone right now and you’ve got no chance.”

“I don’t care. I just want to meet him and tell him, how much I long for him.” Jiwon’s eyes fixated on his phone wallpaper. Even though Sunghoon suddenly left him without telling him why, he really misses Sunghoon like crazy.

Epilogue
Jiwon stood on his room’s balcony looking out into the river as it flowed unwaveringly towards the various domains’ water system. He inhaled the stillness that engulfed his surroundings relishing the peace he so often found with it.
Hands encircled his waist from behind, and as he turned his head, Sunghoon rested his chin on his shoulders. Jiwon smiled and faced Sunghoon completely, his hands resting on Sunghoon’s waist as Sunghoon answered his smile with that of his own.
“You woke up… How do you feel?” he asked as he placed a hand on Sunghoon’s belly. It remains flat, unlike humans, but the throbbing Jiwon felt there meant that a new life has really formed.
“Nauseous… but I’m fine. Carrying the heir for you is an honor you know.”
“You always say that. I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
Sunghoon hugged Jiwon tightly, “I’m not, not even close,” he whispered against Jiwon’s ear. “I wish he’ll look like you though.”
Jiwon smiled against Sunghoon’s shoulder as he returned the hug, “It doesn’t matter who he looks like, he’ll still be our son.”
Sunghoon smiled, then he relinquished his hold on Jiwon and looked at him adoringly, “Shouldn’t you get going though?”
Jiwon nodded, “Yes. I was just waiting for you to wake up.”
“Aren’t you the sweetest…” Sunghoon said, his face glowing, as he straightened Jiwon’s clothes. “Go, my dear mate, we can’t have them waiting long.”
“Okay. I’ll come back soon.” Jiwon said as he kissed the tip of Sunghoon’s nose.
“I’ll be here..” Sunghoon answered as he waved at Jiwon who smiled widely at him and waved back.
********
Today was Jiwon’s ceremonial turnover. When the prince turns into an adult and finds his chromone, the King would then afford him a portion of his responsibilities in preparation for the succession. Because they had to go through the recent mission, the turnover has been pushed back. Now that everything is back to normal, the King deemed it proper to undergo the ceremony per their customs. Once the ceremony was over, the kingdom’s domestic affairs would be handled by Jiwon.
The Oracle would preside over the ceremony and give him the blessing, and Jiwon is headed over to the Archway, where it would take place.
Bang-goon approached him as he closed the door to his room. “Your Highness, His Royalness and His Imminence are already ready and waiting.”
Jiwon nodded to Bang-goon and smiled. “Thank you Bang-goon. I’m on my way there.”
Bang-goon bowed out as he watched Jiwon saunter towards the Archway. The ceremony only required the attendance of the Oracle, the King and the Prince therefore their presence is not needed.
*****
It has been 10 days since their return from Earth. And once the hubbub from their mission’s success died down, and everything went back to normal, the state of affairs were discussed as well.
First off, Jiwon and Sunghoon were deemed fit to receive the honor of being duly recognized as mates. Sunghoon was then asked to relinquish his masculinity in order to produce the Prince’s heir. The Oracle took charge over the process of Sunghoon turning feline. At first, Jiwon was worried if Sunghoon would be alright, imagining the process to be painful, but Jiyong reassured him that it was painless. All Sunghoon had to do was drink a potion that would replace his male reproductive elements into that of a feline. Then 2 days after that and with the Oracle’s blessing, they are now officially the Crowned Prince and Fe-Prince of Technopolis.
Jiwon couldn’t be any happier. The drought was gone, the kingdom has flourished once more, and having his mate by his side was more than he could ask for. But Sunghoon gave him a more pleasant surprise, for just recently Sunghoon revealed to him the good news.
He was now carrying Jiwon’s heir.
Now as Jiwon stood in front of the Archway, Jiwon took a deep breath. With that he stepped over the threshhold, ready to receive the responsibilities his father has deemed him fit to handle.
***********
Sunghoon stood where Jiwon was looking out into the kingdom a while ago, marvelling at the solitude of his surroundings. The past days had been a series of events it felt like a blur, but he had no reasons to complain. If anything, he was really blessed.
And Jiwon.. just thinking about him brings a smile to Sunghoon’s face. Jiwon had been nothing but a doting mate, taking real good care of him, and providing for his needs. And Jiwon’s ministrations doubled when Sunghoon revealed he was carrying his heir. Jiwon had taken it upon himself to make sure he was comfortable. And once the day darkened, Jiwon made sure he was more than satisfied.
Sunghoon sighed. So this was how it is to be a Royalty’s chromone. He was literally living in luxury.
“What’s with you sighing over there?” Jiwon’s voice sounded over the room as he entered.
Sunghoon turned around to see Jiwon sauntering over to him. Sunghoon could see Jiwon’s crystal has turned from green to blue, a sign that he now holds an interim position as King. He smiled in response.
“Nothing. I was just thinking how lucky I am.” He watched as Jiwon stood by his side and gently held him close by the waist. “How did it go?”
“It went well. Though I feel burdened having such huge responsibility handed over to me.”
“You’ll be fine I know you will. You have more courage than anyone else I know.”
Jiwon smiled at Sunghoon, “Such supportive mate you are.”
“Well of course, you can’t expect anything less from me.”
“You saying stuff like that makes my blood heated..”
Sunghoon’s eyebrows rose at Jiwon’s declaration. The skies haven’t even darkened a bit, and Jiwon..
“It’s still early to feel that way my dear mate.” he said to Jiwon, but Jiwon’s eyes were looking at him differently. “Ho… Hold your horses my dear Prince..” said Sunghoon, his palms raised in defense.
Jiwon smirked at Sunghoon, “You know, it’s never too early or too late for this,” Jiwon said as he carried Sunghoon gently over inside the room.
“Jiwon, wait..” Sunghoon muttered softly. But his protests died on his lips as Jiwon gently laid him down on their berth and loomed over his body.
“You saying my name that way makes it harder for me to contain my excitement..” Jiwon said in a hushed voice, as he stooped lower and kissed Sunghoon on his nose again. “Do you not want me to do this?” he asked gently.
Sunghoon wrapped his arms around Jiwon’s neck and dragged Jiwon’s face towards his own, “Who said I didn’t?” he replied to Jiwon.
Jiwon smiled triumphantly as he stooped down to kiss Sunghoon properly and proceeded to consummate their union.

Settling themselves into comfortable positions, Jiwon allowed Sunghoon to take charge of the spacecraft while he kept keen focus on the navigation system. Their target was Mt. Everest, which they could see in the distance. Sunghoon was in charge of flying the craft, as he has a lot more experience in that area while Jiwon would navigate for them.

Sunghoon coughed hoarsely, his breathing now coming in ragged exhales as he fought with the difference in the atmosphere. In his haste to get the mission done and bring back the prince, he forgot to drink the equalizing fluid.

Jiwon looked to him in concern, then comprehension dawning on him, he quickly pat-searched Sunghoon’s suit for the liquid. Finding it in the exact place where he found his, he shook it and tipped it into Sunghoon’s mouth. “Drink Sunghoon.”

Sunghoon obliged, gulping down the substance with gratitude. In a few moments, his breathing evened and he bowed to Jiwon in thanks.

“My apologies, Your Highness. My hastiness…”

“You need not apologize. It’s not your fault. I should have let you rested a bit first…”

“I don’t think we can finish any mission when you’re not in your best condition.”

“I’m fine now..” Sunghoon looked at him adamantly. He would never show weakness in front of the prince. He was a guardian, and guardians were born tough.

Jiwon smiled at Sunghoon, admiring his chromone’s tenacity. “You’re stubborn. Are you sure you’re fine? How about food? I still have a bit of supply.”

Sunghoon stopped inspite of himself. He was hungry, but his hunger can wait. What he needs most… “Some water would be nice, Your Highness.”

“It’s Jiwon,” uttered Jiwon as he stood up and took a canister from his supply storage, quietly handing it to Sunghoon, “not Your Highness..”

“My apologies, Y.. I mean Prince Jiwon, and thank you..” Sunghoon bowed as he took a gulp of water. He frowned at the canister as soon as he was finished.

“Stop calling me so formally.” Jiwon chuckled at him. “It tastes different but it’s clean. I’ve been living off of it for the past 10 sunrises.”

“My Prince, despite being your chromone, I cannot bring myself to address you so informally. So please accept that the nearest I can call you by your name would be to have your title spoken as well. I still have to get used to being informal with you.”

Jiwon accepted reluctantly, “If that’s what makes you comfortable.”

Sunghoon breathed in relief. “But out of curiosity, won’t this affect the water in our planet if we bring back ice that tastes like this?” Sunghoon asked. The taste would definitely take some getting used to, but his body feels fine, so it seems the water was indeed clean.

“From what I know, my blood would neutralize the taste of the water from another planet.”

Sunghoon nodded in comprehension, “So that is why only those of Royal blood can succeed in this mission.”

“Yes… Are you better now Sunghoon?”

“Yes I am now,” Sunghoon answered, adjusting himself in the seat and carefully starting up the craft.

Jiwon seated himself on the other chair, and peered at the navigation system.

“It’s not that far. We need to go northwest for 10 miles, then we get the craft up towards the mountain peak.”

Sunghoon nodded as he grabbed the joystick and veered it northwest following Jiwon’s instructions. They were flying a bit low, and the gravity was slowing them down so Sunghoon adjusted their weight, pushing buttons in order for the craft to travel faster.

“Fly higher, Sunghoon. We cannot allow Earth people to see us.”

“Ah yes, I nearly forgot.” Sunghoon answered, as he grabbed the joystick and tilted it upward, the craft following along, rising above the trees and higher until they were sure no one would be able to see them.

They kept their course steady, their patience wearing thin from the slow pace until at last they saw a glimpse of the mountain in their periphery.

“That isn’t the peak yet is it, My Prince?”

“No, not yet, but we are close. You have to climb higher.”

“This.. gravity.. is such a pain..” Sunghoon grunted as he manouvered the craft higher, fighting against the force that wanted to keep them to the ground.

Jiwon reached out and gingerly placed his hand on top of Sunghoon’s hand on the joystick. Sunghoon looked at Jiwon questioningly.

“Slowly but surely Sunghoon. We’ll get there..”

Sunghoon smiled and nodded at the prince. They continued climbing up, and soon the peak loomed before them, a vast expanse of snow and heavy air.

Jiwon looked out and saw a number of humans gathered around the area, looking like they were celebrating. He pointed them to Sunghoon, who nodded. Sunghoon then manouvered the craft out of the humans’ line of sight, settling on a more secluded place where they can gather Ice. They landed safely on an area a little ways apart from the main peak, where Sunghoon deemed it impossible for humans to trek.

Opening the craft door, they got out, their bodies suddenly seizing up to the cold icy blast of the wind. Simultaneously, they pushed a button on their suits, which afforded them warmth, their suits hissing up a bit of steam in response.

“I can’t imagine some humans are able to live here. What were they doing out there?” Sunghoon questioned as he kept keen watch over Jiwon who was slowly gathering up blocks and bits of ice, and piling them together. Much as he wanted to help the prince, he was forbidden, for the prince would infuse his blood onto every block of ice he’s been gathering, and piling them up will allow the infusion to spread evenly throughout. So if he were to help, the ice that he gets his hands on would be of no use.

“From what I heard, they don’t live here. This place is too barren for anyone to survive, and the air is too thin for humans to breathe. They only challenge themselves to reach the summit, since this is the highest mountain in this planet.” Jiwon explained, his breath ragged, as he finally stretched up and laid his hand on the boulder sized ice he gathered. With his hand on it, the ice glowed a bright green, but disappeared in a flash. With the infusion complete, the boulder would now survive the trip back without melting.

Jiwon swayed on the spot a bit, and Sunghoon was immediately beside him.

“Prince Jiwon!” he shouted, his voice carried away by the wind, as he supported Jiwon on his shoulders. “Are you all right?” he asked worriedly.

Jiwon smiled faintly. “I’m fine. I think I just need to rest. The blood infusion takes a lot of strength to do.”

Sunghoon half-carried, half-supported Jiwon back inside the craft. He seated him comfortably on the chair, kneeling in front of him in concern.

Jiwon reached out to him, touching his face for the first time since they met. “I’ll be fine Sunghoon. Give me half a beat (approximately 30 minutes in Earth time) to rest then we can leave.”

“Do you need anything? Water or food, to replenish your strength?” Sunghoon asked worriedly, his fingers clasped on Jiwon’s knee.

“Just rest..” Jiwon answered, closing his eyes.

“Okay..”

Sunghoon’s face registered a gentle aura as he looked at Jiwon resting. He never had the opportunity to see the prince this close before. Being part of Bang-goon’s platoon, only the Chief Guardian himself had the luxury to stay close to the prince. He somehow thanked the Ancient Ones for making him the prince’s chromone. It was the highest honor ever to be a royalty’s chromone, not everyone is afforded that title.

He gently wiped the bits of snow clinging to the prince’s hair, his emotions surging inside him in a rush. The feeling of wanting to protect the prince, at the same time, wanting to be by his side for a lifetime, engulfed him at that moment.

“So this is what it felt like…”

He only heard stories from other domains about the depth of a chromone’s feelings towards each other once they meet. Never did he imagine that it would be three.. no… 5 times more powerful than they said. Clearly, finding your chromone was a blessing in itself, and Sunghoon could never be more grateful than he is now. Granted, being a royalty’s chromone meant relinquishing his masculinity. But he would gladly do it without a doubt. Turning feline for Jiwon, bearing his son and staying by his side was the only way he could repay the honor he has been given.

After a while, Jiwon opened his eyes gingerly scanning his surroundings. His vision landed on Sunghoon’s back, who was hovering above him protectively, his stance that of a guardian’s alertness.

“How long was I resting?” he asked as he stretched himself comfortably on the chair.

“Exactly half a beat like you said. Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes…” Jiwon looked outside and saw the skies have darkened considerably. Fully awake now, Jiwon straightened in his chair as he looked to Sunghoon. “We need to get back. The more time we spend here, the more dangerous it is for us.”

Sunghoon nodded his assent, and sat beside Jiwon. He warmed the craft up for pre-flight, while Jiwon fiddled with some buttons to store the ice boulder into the craft’s cargo hold. Outside, the boulder, glowing luminous green in response, slowly dissipated into the craft’s cargo until it was completely stored safely. After that, Jiwon set to work with the craft’s navigation system, making sure that the coordinates for their planet was properly lodged to the system, not wanting a repeat of what happened to him. With that done, Jiwon then nodded to Sunghoon, who in turn tilted the craft upward, spinning gently in its place, rising slowly then shooting towards the earth’s atmosphere, moving against the pull of gravity the planet was exerting.

Jiwon turned on the comm system, making contact with Bang-goon, who was on standby, informing him of their success and that they would return to Technopolis by tomorrow if their flight goes well.

Before losing contact with the Earth’s atmosphere, however, the two needed to deneutralize their bodies, otherwise they would find it hard to adapt to their surroundings back home, for the equalizer would no longer work once they enter their planet’s atmosphere. Since Sunghoon was preoccupied with flying, Jiwon groped about in Sunghoon’s pocket for the de-equalizer, tipping the contents into Sunghoon’s mouth who gulped it down gratefully. He followed suit, and soon they were bracing themselves for the bumpy ride as the craft shot out of the Earth’s atmosphere into the vast expanse of the galaxy.

**************************

Technopolis

Bang-goon was understandably tense for the whole day. He hasn’t slept a wink since Sunghoon disembarked on his mission to save the prince and bring him back to Technopolis. And the lack of communication was ticking him off. The only reassurance he had was that the navigation system shows where the craft carrying them was, and as long as the craft kept moving, he knows they were safe.

He watched as Sunghoon’s spacecraft landed on Earth, and what was once two dots, which indicated Jiwon and Sunghoon’s crafts, on their navi merged into one. He saw them move towards the mountain he indicated to Jiwon, and for a beat he held his breath as he watched the craft stay stationery during that period. He was only able to breathe freely again once he saw that it was moving, and the communications system started crackling with Jiwon’s voice.

“Bang-goon, are you there?” came Jiwon’s voice over the intercom.

A collective sigh of relief can be heard over the room as Bang-goon’s platoon all look towards him upon hearing Jiwon’s voice. Even Bang-goon himself allowed a small smile to escape his lips.

“Yes, Your Highness I’m right here..” he responded, almost saying how glad he was to hear the prince’s voice but he held back. Chief Guardians never show weakness to anyone.

“We managed to succeed Bang-goon. We’re currently on our way back, but it’ll take longer than expected. The boulder adds to the weight of the craft, so we might get back there by mid-day tomorrow at the earliest.”

“Copy that Your Highness. Can I talk to Sunghoon?”

“What you need to say to my chromone you can say directy to me. He has his hands full on flying the craft, I deem it unwise to distract him,” Jiwon said with an air of authority that Bang-goon was surprised. Then he smiled unknowingly, realizing that chromones do, in nature, look out for each other.

“It’s nothing, Your Highness. I was just going to tell him to get you both back here safely.”

“We’ll do that. You will inform my parents?”

“Yes. I’ll head over to them now.”

“Thank you Bang-goon. I’ll contact you again once we enter Technopolis.”

“Yes Your Highness. Be safe.”

“We will.” and there was a click as the line disconnected.

Bang-goon ordered one of his platoon guards to man the station as he left to inform The King about Jiwon’s progress.

*****

“So they managed to travel with Ice?” King Jaejin asked, his voice now sounding hopeful.

“Yes, Your Royalness.” Bang-goon answered as he kneeled down before the King and his mate in the Archway, where the Royalty are currently monitoring the state of their domains. “If nothing goes wrong they’d be here by mid-day tomorrow.” he added, noting the expected time of arrival Jiwon told him.

“Let us hope they make it back safely,” King Jaejin whispered, still worried over the time it’ll take to complete the travel.

Jiyong squeezed Jaejin’s shoulder in reassurance, “let us trust Jiwon. He knows how important it is to succeed. Besides, I presume Sunghoon will assist him to the best of his abilities,” Jiyong uttered with raised eyebrows at Bang-goon who bowed in response.

“Yes, Your Fe-Royalness. Sunghoon is one of my most able guards. I am sure he’ll protect Jiwon at all costs.”

“Then there is no need to worry. We’ll just have to wait.” Jiyong said.

Jaejin nodded sullenly, “We wait. Bang-goon, do get back to your station. I need you there in case Jiwon establishes contact again.”

“Yes Your Royalness,” Bang-goon acknowledged the dismissal, leaving the Archway with a bow to the Royalty.

*******

Jiwon looked to Sunghoon, who had a firm grip on the joystick, as they travelled through the galaxy.

“Sunghoon, are you okay?” Jiwon asked.

Sunghoon looked to him in confusion. “I’m fine Your Highness, why’d you ask?”

“It’s Jiwon, how many times do I have to correct you.”

Sunghoon smiled sheepishly. “My apologies. The informality in addressing you will take some getting used to.” Sunghoon said, as he adjusted their craft which tilted a bit to the side, the boulder making its presence felt. Sunghoon felt the change in weight greatly with the boulder of Ice with them. But he wouldn’t show his discomfort to Jiwon. He had to keep everything stable, his senses already perked to its maximum sensitivity. But noting how Jiwon was looking at him in concern, he must be showing how strained he was flying the craft. “Why the question though?”

“You seem… tired.. If you want me to relieve you for a beat I can do that.”

Sunghoon smiled at Jiwon in reassurance. “I appreciate your concern My Prince, but I can manage. Besides, we’re nearing home. See those stars?,” Sunghoon said pointing at a clump of stars clustered together to which Jiwon nodded, “past those stars and our planet will be visible.”

Jiwon smiled back at Sunghoon. “I get it, I’m just worried about you that’s all. You haven’t had rest since you started the mission.”

“I’d rest well once we finish the mission and land home.” Sunghoon answered.

“Well then, we have to concentrate on getting home.”

“Yes, we do,” said Sunghoon who smiled at Jiwon and nodded.

Jiwon smiled back, focusing on the mission at hand. Soon… soon he’ll be able to spend more time with Sunghoon. Once they get back home, he’d spend days discovering his chromone.

In a little while, their craft moved past the cluster of stars Sunghoon pointed to Jiwon a while ago, and Jiwon could now glimpse the familiar shape of their planet.

Jiwon gripped the edge of his chair, and soon enough, as their craft barrelled through their atmosphere, the craft rattled and swayed, as Sunghoon strained his arms and kept a firm grip on the joystick to keep the craft on course.

After a few beats, they passed the atmosphere’s rough entry and Sunghoon can now see the kingdom in the distance.

“Sunghoon, let’s first deposit the boulder on the mountain. We need to revive the river.”

Sunghoon now flew the craft with ease despite the weight, the surroundings familiar as the craft reached the top of mountain.

Jiwon then pushed open the button to the cargo hold’s door, and the boulder of Ice fell down with a splash at whatever water was remaining on the mountain top.

The effect was instantaneous. Soon the water overflowed, and the rivers slowly filled up again.

Jiwon and Sunghoon looked at each other with smiles on their faces. Somehow they seemed in sync as both reached out a hand to grasp each other in congratulations.

Their mission was a success, and both of them are heroes.

“Let’s go home,” Jiwon said to Sunghoon, who nodded and manouvered the craft towards their landing pad, their craft making a billow of smoke as it came in contact with it.

“We’re home, My Prince.” Sunghoon said with a smile.

“Yes we are.” Jiwon said as he got out of his chair, and held out his hand for Sunghoon to take.

Shyly, Sunghoon stood up as well and obliged, and they got out of the spacecraft with their hands clasped together, to the cheers of everyone from the King to Bang-goon’s platoon who all came to congratulate and welcome them home.

******

I’ll try finishing the last part or epilogue later. For now, please enjoy this update.

I edited a bit in Part 1 because my calculations was screwed up. I’ll just say it here. The lifespan of a Technople is 700 days not 100 days. I messed up since they gain adulthood at 240 days so how can they die after only a hundred days..! Sorry bout that.

**********************

Earth

Jiwon didn’t know how long he was unconscious, but as soon as he opened his eyes, he felt the thick air around him. He propped himself up on his elbows, and slowly sat up as he looked around him.

The craft was a mess, but nothing was severely damaged inside. He’d have to check the outside as well, but for now…

Miraculously, his navigation system was still working. Peering into the screen, he noted where the dot was positioned, an indication of where he currently was.

Earth.

So this was Earth. He only heard stories about this planet. It was said that the people who live here looked much like them in many ways, except that they didn’t have hexagonal crystals lodged on their foreheads.

Jiwon knew that he have to adapt to this planet if he was to hide his presence. If they found out that he wasn’t from this world, him and his people would be in danger. He must learn to hide it.

Closing his eyes and concentrating, the crystal slowly dissolved and camouflaged itself into the color of his skin until it was unnoticeable.

Another thing, the air. The air around him was too thick. His lungs felt heavy whenever he drew a breath. Taking one small vial from his suit, he shook the green-hued liquid briefly, then waited while it turned clear before drinking it down in one gulp. The liquid inside equalizes their body chemistry to that of their surroundings so that they can adapt fairly quickly. It was often used by their military whenever a mission abounds which require them to leave the safety of Technopolis’ atmosphere. It sure comes in handy now.

Jiwon then inspected the craft. Nothing severely damaged inside. He pressed a button and the craft slowly opened a door with smoke billowing up in its wake.

Jiwon wandered outside, slowly inspecting the craft all around. Luckily, only one side of it seemed to have suffered damage. The crack was large, but repairable. In order for him to repair it, it’ll take him at most a day (in Technopolis, that is).

The imminent problem however, was food. He needed to sustain himself. He couldn’t use up all his energy from trying to repair the craft when he hasn’t fed himself properly. He looked around him, but nothing seemed edible. There were only grasses everywhere. Jiwon shook his head in frustration. He was alone, and he didn’t know what to do.

Getting back inside the craft, he tried the communications system if it was working, AND FORTUNATELY, it does but still he needed to configure it properly.

Its configurations were set from the distance between Saturn and Technopolis. He needed to establish contact with his chief guard, otherwise, his parents would worry. He set out to work, repairing the one thing that might save him.

**************************

Technopolis

Jiyong and Jaejin paced simultaneously in the comm room, their worry imminent.

They knew his communication lines were open, if only Jiwon knew the exact configuration on how to establish contact with them. But as it is, he hasn’t and his parents were worried if he was injured. They prayed he was unharmed.

“Bang-goon… are you there?” Jiwon’s voice crackled over the speakers in the comm room as he called out his chief guardian’s name.

Jaejin and Jiyong’s sigh of relief were simultaneous, as Jiyong hurried over, followed by Jaejin, wanting to talk to him.

“Jiwon, are you all right?” Jiyong asked his son worriedly, while Jaejin stayed behind his mate with a hand on Jiyong’s shoulder in comfort.

“Fe-Father, is that you?” Jiwon’s voice was garbled, but he was understandable.

“I’m fine. But I don’t know where on Earth I am. And I’m hungry.”

Bang-goon came forward and pressed the button connecting their communication lines, “Your Highness, if you can wait a moment, we’ll just pinpoint your position through the navigation system so that we can direct you properly.”

“Okay.”

Bang-goon and his platoon set out to work, turning and pressing knobs and buttons until finally Jiwon’s exact location pinged on the screen, the small blue light twinkling rapidly. They zoomed in and found him in Nepal, a few miles away from Mt. Everest.

“Your Highness, you are currently in Nepal,” Bang-goon informed him while his platoon got busy extracting information about the place. “You are currently in a dense forest area, if you walk to your right a bit you’ll find a stream. It says it’s clean to drink, the water might taste different from what you’re used to, but it’s safe. Also have you drank the vial yet Your Highness?” he asked.

“I already did. The air was too heavy around me.” came Jiwon’s reply. “So water is no problem, but how do I find food here?”

“From what we gathered, there’ll be plenty of edible plants by the stream. It’s not clear what, but mushrooms and leafy ones do exist.”

“Okay, I can thrive on those.”

Their conversation was cut short when one of Bang-goon’s platoon leaders hurried over them delivering worse news.

“Sir, we just received word that another domain died out over the southern region.” he said stiffly, his head bowed low in front of his chief and the two royalties.

King Jaejin shook his head in dismay. “Another domain,” he said almost inaudibly.

Jiyong turned to him and hugged him quietly. But Jiwon heard it all.

“That means I have to repair the craft, find Ice and get back there within a day.”

He said with a voice full of frustration. “But Bang-goon, the damage to the craft would take a day at most to repair, and that is with the help of your platoon.

Alone it’ll take me 2 days at least, and I don’t know where the hell on Earth I can find Ice.”

“Jiwon, don’t push yourself.” Jaejin said, “It’s important that you get back safely.”

“There is still hope Your Highness,” said Bang-goon, addressing Jiwon politely as he scrolled over the data about Nepal, “the mountain there has Ice on its peak. It’s nearer your location.”

“If only I could fly the craft there…” said Jiwon frustratedly.

“There is a way, Your Royalness,” said the booming voice of the Oracle, who entered the comm room sweepingly.

Everyone looked towards the Oracle, and they all bowed in unison.

“Imminent One, to what do we owe your presence?” King Jaejin asked, standing up and facing the Oracle curiously.

The Oracle has not set foot outside the Archway since 1500 days ago, and he does so again today, as the drought continues to threaten the very existence of the Technople.

“Another domain dying out Your Royalness is a cause for concern. That is why I came here. But we still have hope. And it couldn’t be any more fortunate for us that His Highness landed on Earth. For Earth is a planet nearest to us in nature, and acquiring Ice from it would sustain our rivers far longer that Saturn’s ice.

It is because Earth has life they call humans and animals, so their surroundings are filled with ample resources to sustain those lives.”

“You mean it was better for Jiwon to land on Earth?” Jiyong asked the Oracle.

“Yes. The drought is a lot more severe than a thousand days ago, and we need a more stable form of Ice than before if we want to bring back the water. This planet will provide for it.”

“And how will Jiwon be able to do that if his craft is incapacitated?” King Jaejin asked in turn.

“You have to find his chromone and rescue Jiwon from that place.”

“What?”

The Oracle started to explain the complexity of a chromone.

“You see, the craft only recognizes Jiwon’s chromosome, but if you find his chromone, he can fly another craft towards Earth. You see the beauty of our crafts, just like our people, once 2 crafts are imbued with the same chromosome, they merge into one and allow chromones to fly together. Since His Highness’ craft is already on Earth, it wouldn’t take a day for his chromone to reach him. For a craft recognizes that of a chromone’s craft and works like a magnet towards each other. It is like it has it’s own navigation system and only follows that path until the two crafts merge. In merging, the better craft maintains all of its qualities, meaning the damage to His Highness’ craft need no repair if his chromone finds him.”

“So we need to find his chromone, is that what you’re saying Imminent One?”

“Yes.”

“But that would take longer.” King Jaejin nearly whined, knowing full well how vast Technopolis was.

The Oracle smiled in answer, “Your Royalness, you seem to have forgotten. Your mate was born into your Chief Guardian’s platoon remember? He was your Chief Guardian before he was your mate right? Those of royalty have their chromones born into the platoon of their Chief Guardian’s. It was made that way by the Ancient Ones, our Creator, so that the lineage shall continue without having the trouble of finding him from the thousands of domain Technople has.”

“You mean…”

“Yes. His Highness’ chromone is someone in Chief Guardian Bang-goon’s platoon right now. And you can find him with the help of this,” The Oracle lifted the chromine Jiwon used before. “Once his chromone laid his palm on this device, it’ll turn bright green, the same as His Highness’ did. If it isn’t him, it does no harm at all.”

“But a lot of the military already used that chromine.” Jiyong said, noting the time when he was still Jaejin’s Chief Guardian. They use that device to man their crafts.

“No, Your Fe-Royalness. The chromines used by Royalty are different from everyone else’s. Each one is different. You see that it is necessary in case one of the royalty fails to find his chromone before the age of 240 days. And His Highness’ has already reached adulthood has he not?”

King Jaejin nodded, finally comprehending. He looked at Jiyong and Bang-goon, a silent command.

Bang-goon nodded in understanding.

“Summon all of the platoon into the quadron right now!” he thundered the order.

His platoon scampered into action, while Jiyong commanded Jaejin’s Chief Guardian to take charge over the positions left by Bang-goon’s platoon.

“And one more thing Your Highness..” The Oracle said addressing Jiwon as well.

“Yes, Imminent One?”

“The days on Earth pass by fairly quickly. You will have to wait till the sun has set and risen 7-10 times before your chromone finds you. And please remember that only your blood can be used for the Ice.While your chromone may have the same chromosome, the blood structure is different, do you understand?”

“Yes I understand.”

“Stay safe Son. We’ll find him for you as fast as we can.” King Jaejin assured Jiwon.

“I know Father. I’ll disconnect first. I have to find that stream.”

“Yes go ahead.”

**************

Earth

Jiwon disconnected as he stood up and pressed open the door. He needed to find that stream.

He set out towards his right, the direction Bang-goon told him to. Soon he heard the sound of rippling water, and he was amazed. In Technopolis, the river ran in a straight line, and the water neither had ripples nor rocks of any sort in it.

Beneath the rivers of Technopolis were a filter of sorts, one that rids their waters of any impurities. Here on Earth, the water was totally different.

“This is clean!?” Jiwon asked himself incredulously. “I just hope you’re right about this Bang-goon.”

If Jiwon wasn’t as hungry as he was, he wouldn’t even try drinking it. He moved to a cleaner part of the stream and tentatively tasted the water with a finger.

Nothing seemed wrong with it, and soon Jiwon was drinking ravenously, missing the feeling of quenching his thirst. Next he looked around, and saw a bunch of mushrooms on a tree nearby.

“Weird how even the mushrooms look the same here,” Jiwon said as he came close to the tree and picked out the bunch. He only needed a few to sustain himself, and the bunch would be enough until his chromone finds him. Since he had no container with him, he’d have to come back to drink. He shrugged. “As long as I stay away from this planet’s people, there is no need to worry.”

His craft, however, needed camouflage. Jiwon went back inside, deposited the mushrooms in a chamber, and pressed another button to hide the presence of his craft, taking on the color of its surroundings. He also activated the shield so that people stay away. His Father told him to stay safe and stay hidden and that’s what he will do.

So he began the waiting, hoping that the Ancient Ones guide his chromone rightfully to him.

*******************

Technopolis

Bang-goon’s platoon, a total of 40 able Technople, were lined up neatly in the Quadron as the Oracle approached them one at a time, telling them to put their palms down on the chromine, while Bang-goon, Jaejin and Jiyong looked on.

Meanwhile, at the same time, King Jaejin had ordered another craft to be prepped while the search was ongoing just so they can save time. They waited with bated breaths as the Oracle tested each platoon member if they were Jiwon’s chromone.

They were nearly giving up since the Oracle was nearly finished testing, when the second to the last member laid his palm on the chromine and it glowed bright green in response, and everybody let out a sigh of relief. Bang-goon ordered the member to step out of formation towards them while telling the other members to go back to their posts.

The Oracle asked the member, “What is your name?”

“Sunghoon, Imminent One,” he said with a polite bow.

“Sunghoon, you were born to be the Royal Prince’s chromone, his lifetime mate, do you accept?” King Jaejin then addressed the member.

“It would be my greatest honor, Your Royalness,” Sunghoon answered, kneeling on one knee in front of King Jaejin and Jiyong in respect.

“Arise, His Highness’ chromone.”

Sunghoon arose and looked at the authoritative people in front of him. He tried to compose himself, but in reality he was over the moon. To think that he would be the Royal Prince’s chromone, he was born lucky.

“Sunghoon, Bang-goon will debrief you on what you need to do.” Jiyong said to him and Sunghoon acknowledged him with a polite bow as Bang-goon stepped forward and started briefing him about his mission.

After the debrief, and with the prepping of the craft done, the Oracle once again told Sunghoon to place his hand on a chromine different that what he had tested him with before, and it glowed green once more, this time, his chromosome being recognized by the spacecraft.

“The spacecraft now recognizes only your chromosome, and that of your chromone, the Royal Prince. Once your craft establishes contact with that of His Highness’ craft, a merging will take place. You need not worry about finding him, the navigation system will pave the path for you. Just make sure to keep your hand on the joystick at all times while you travel, do you understand?” The Oracle asked Sunghoon in earnest.

“Yes, Imminent One, I understand.”

“Then travel safe.”

King Jaejin came forward and placed a hand on Sunghoon’s shoulder, “Please bring my son back safely and make sure he completes his mission. You can do that right Sunghoon?”

“Yes Your Highness, as it is your wish, so is it my will to carry out.”

“Thank you, and come back safely, both of you.”

Finally, Sunghoon entered the craft. He seated himself, and placed his hand on the joystick, and immediately the craft flared to life. In seconds, he was flying and in minutes, he shot out of their atmosphere towards Earth, the navigation system guiding him. The craft barelled through the galaxy in a blurring speed, as if being pulled towards its destination and all the while, Sunghoon kept his hand on the joystick with a firm grip. He needed to maintain his course and his hand on the joystick will save both of then for sure.

****************

Earth

The bumpy ride started as soon as Sunghoon’s craft entered Earth’s atmosphere, and Sunghoon’s grip on the joystick tightened.

After what felt like hours, Sunghoon’s craft landed neatly on solid ground.

As soon as it landed, Jiwon’s craft shed off it’s camouflage and glowed a bright green, the same brightness Sunghoon’s craft was emitting.

In a flash, the crafts merged into one, now having 2 chairs with a joystick in between, Jiwon sitting on one of the chairs Sunghoon on the other.

Jiwon looked toward Sunghoon in awe, his senses still reeling from the craft merging.

“You found me..” Jiwon said in a whisper.

Sunghoon alighted from his chair, and kneeled in front of Jiwon.

“Your Highness, my name is Sunghoon. I have come to rescue you.”

“You’re my chromone.”

Sunghoon didn’t look up as he answered, “Yes Your Highness.”

“Arise Sunghoon, and never bow in front of me again.”

Sunghoon arose and looked at Jiwon in confusion. “Your Highness?”

Jiwon smiled, and noticed just now how beautiful Sunghoon’s features are.

“Sunghoon, a chromone does not distinguish between royalty and his subject. We are alike, therefore, we are equal, there will be no need to bow to me in the future.” Jiwon said, relieved that Sunghoon arrived quickly.

Jiwon had already counted 10 sunrises and sunsets, made the trip to the stream 30 times to relieve his thirst before he felt the craft rattle, a sign that his chromone’s craft was near. He quickly settled into the chair and placed his hand on the joystick, and waited until the two crafts merged.

Sunghoon smiled back at Jiwon, “Yes Your Highness, but I still have to get used to it. Everything was dropped to me within the day I’m still recovering from the shock.”

Jiwon chuckled, and placed a hand on Sunghoon’s shoulder, “we’ll chat all we can when we get back but for now, let’s finish the mission together, shall we?”

Sunghoon nodded once, “Yes Your Highness.”

Jiwon smiled at Sunghoon again, then they both settled into their chairs to carry out their mission.

Before you start reading please know the following technical terms. Since this is a fantasy, please bear with me. I tried

Technopolis – setting of the story. It is an imaginary planet where the characters were born.

1 day in Technopolis = 1 month in Earth

Chromone – short for chromosome clone. Those with the same chromosome structure are the only ones who can mate and reproduce. They can only reproduce once.

Technople – people/inhabitants on Technopolis.

Archway – place where the Oracle resides.

Mt. Equin – a mountain as high as 5000 m. The mountain where all rivers originate.

Fe-Father – a chromone who chooses to become feline for his partner.

Domain – equivalent to a city or town on earth. A domain only consists of 20 families of Technople.

Technopolis

A hexagonal planet located in the outskirts of the universe 800,000 light years from Earth. Everyone here is born male. When they reach the adult age of 240 days (for a day in

Technopolis equals a month on Earth) they get fully grown and have the option to turn into a ffeline if, and only if, they find their destined partner who shares the exact chromosome structure as them. Ruled by the Royal Family, the kingdom thrives on plants and water just to live.

Lately, there have been problems of drought, as the sun decided to stay up for long periods of time, drying up some of their rivers, and dwindling their water supply. It has happened before, but not to the extent that their kind has been dying due to lack of water. If it continued, they would be in trouble.

Because of the crisis, Royal King Jaejin met with the High Oracle.

“Imminent One, I seek your guidance.” King Jaejin said respectfully as he entered the confines of the Oracle’s domain.

“For what purpose is your visit?” asked the Oracle.

King Jaejin bowed his head while addressing the Oracle. Beyond his powers as a ruler, the Oracle is above them all. They consider him the omnipotent one, and they would always run to him for answers. Because his lifespan is longer than the average Technople, he has outlived many of them. And above all, he has excellent memory. He remembers everything that happens in his lifetime.

“The drought has reached an alarming state already. Some of our domains have succumbed to the drought, two of them died out yesterday. I wonder how I can bring back the water. It has happened before, but it has been 1,500 days ago. I wasn’t born back then. Do you have any idea how they cured it?” King Jaejin asked worriedly.

2 domains dying out would mean a crisis. If another domain succumbed, it’ll be a disaster. If another one did, a catastrophe. They cannot afford anymore loss of their kind since they only reproduce once in their lifetime. And their lifetime spans for only 100 days, before they burn out and become stars.

The Oracle was the only one born with genes who can last longer than them, living for 3000 days before an heir would sprout from his belly and replace him once he died.

What’s harder is to find a partner to mate with, for only a chosen few are destined to meet their chromone in their lifetime, so only a few can reproduce.

“Aaaahh…. 1500 days ago, your ancestor, King Jaeduk, ordered his son, Prince Suwon, to bring back solid water from one of the planets near us. Prince Suwon came back and brought what he called Ice, which has lasted all these years. Our sun has finally melted it all, so we have to bring back some more.”

“Then I shall order my chief guardian to make the travel.”

“Your Royalness, only someone of royal blood can bring back ice from another planet and prevent it from melting. That is one of the gifts bestowed upon the royal family during birth. If anyone outside the royal family attempts the mission, the ice wouldn’t even reach the atmosphere of where it came from. Only those of your blood can prevent it from melting.”

King Jaejin looked at the Oracle in hesitation. “You mean only my son, Prince Jiwon, can attempt the travel?”

“Yes. Seeing as neither you or your mate Jiyong can leave, then it’ll be Prince Jiwon who’ll do the mission.”

King Jaejin paced back and forth, clearly worried. He didn’t like the idea of Jiwon leaving the safety of the planet. Besides, their craft, although of high quality and capability, can only man one of their kind so Jiwon had to travel alone.

“Can he not be accompanied by one of his guards in another craft?”

The Oracle only looked at King Jaejin and shook his head. “Despite the advancement of our spacecraft, our navigation system can only guide one craft at a time. If Prince Jiwon takes someone with him, either he or the guard will get lost. Unless he is his chromone, then there should be no problem. Our craft’s navigation only recognizes one chromosome structure. I take it his Highness hasn’t found his chromone yet?”

Jaejin shook his head.

“ I know you are worried, your Royalness, but for the Technople…”

King Jaejin stopped pacing. Indeed, for the Technople. He must set aside his personal feelings and do what is right for his kingdom. Resolved to bring back the water to their rivers, King Jaejin bowed low to the Oracle and exited the Archway.

******************************

Jiwon was thirsty. They have been limiting their intake of water for the past days because of the drought. He was even afraid of eating now since there was limited water.

Just then, his chief guardian, Bang-goon, knocked on his room and told him he’s being summoned into the Royal Court.

Jiwon stood up and followed Bang-goon out into the Royal Court wondering what his father wanted.

His father and his chromone, Jiyong, were both sitting on their thrones quietly discussing when they entered. Bang-goon left with a respective bow while Jiwon stood before his parents in curiosity.

“You asked to see me Father?”

“Jiwon, you are aware of our current predicament, aren’t you?” Jaejin asked quietly. “We need to do something about it otherwise our kind will suffer further.”

Jiwon looked at his father in understanding. “Of course we have to do something. Tell me Father, I’m willing to do anything to help our kind.”

Jaejin looked into the dark eyes of Jiwon, his round earrings shining against the starlight, a mark of a royal.

“You have heard the story of how Prince Suwon saved this kingdom before. I must ask you to do the same.”

Jiwon stood in attention, his focus on his father unwavering. “You mean I would have to bring back ice as big as the river at Mt. Equin in order to alleviate the drought right Father?”

Jaejin nodded gravely, knowing Jiwon would comply if it meant helping their kind. “You don’t have to bring something as big as that. One block of ice is enough. But you have to infuse some of your blood into it, otherwise it would melt. Only our blood can withstand the temperature of other planet’s atmosphere, that is why it is essential that someone of royal descent should do it.”

“Because of our blood.” Jiwon nodded in understanding. “I’ll do it Father.” Jiwon said with conviction.

Jiyong went down from his throne and hugged his only son. “Son, as much as I don’t want you to go on such dangerous mission, there is not much we can do. Your father and I are needed here.”

“I know fe-Father. I’m willing to do it.”

“We only have a day to prepare. We cannot prolong this any longer. If the sun continues to get stronger, another domain might suffer.” Jiyong continued.

Jaejin also descended from his throne and approached Jiwon. He touched his forehead to him, a sign of blessing for their kind.

“I cannot reiterate how important it is for you to succeed in this mission, Jiwon.”

“Yes, Father. I will make sure to bring back Ice.”

**************

Preparations were now under way as Jiwon memorized everything about the process of leaving and coming back to their planet. His destination was Saturn, as he could just grab one block of ice from its numerous rings. Saturn was also nearer to them than Neptune or Uranus. It would only take Jiwon a week for a round trip.

With all the preparations done, the High Oracle gave him the chromine, a device that installs one’s chromosome into the navigation system in order to recognize who drives the spacecraft. Jiwon placed his hand palms down on the device, making it glow green.

“The spacecraft now recognizes only your chromosome, and that of your chromone. Be safe, Your Highness.” The Oracle said, waving his two-fingered hand over Jiwon’s head in blessing.

Jiwon bowed low to the Oracle, then gave his parents a hug, before entering the spacecraft. Inside was a simple chair made for one, with only a joystick on its side. Jiwon would have to trust the navigation system to guide him, as during the preparations, the coordinates for Saturn’s location was already entered. Jiwon only had to have his hand on the joystick all the time during his travel. If he even took it off an inch, the craft would stay on its course for only two minutes before it goes on a course of its own.

He seated himself, and placed his hand on the joystick, and immediately the craft flared to life. In seconds, he was flying and in minutes, he shot out of their atmosphere into the vast expanse of the galaxy.

******************

Jiwon had been travelling for three days. Tomorrow he’ll reach Saturn mid-day, and once he got the block of Ice, he’ll turn the craft around with a simple jerk of the joystick, but making sure that his hand never leaves it.

Unfortunately, he had to go through one of Saturn’s rings filled with asteroids. During the prepation, he underwent a simulation. The craft would be able to recognize asteroids and avoid them completely, but it would be a bumpy ride. Jiwon had to hold on to the joystick tightly, otherwise any bump would steer him off course.

This was worse than the simulation. The bumpy ride towards Saturn’s ice ring was taking its toll on Jiwon. Although the craft recognized asteroids, it couldn’t avoid them fast enough. And the craft failed to dodge one huge one, hitting the one side of the hexagonal spacecraft, causing Jiwon to lose his balance and fall off from his chair, his hand leaving the joystick.

Jiwon’s clear shout of “NO!” was the only word he uttered as the craft spinned. Hitting his head on one side of the craft, his vision blurred as he tried to reach for the joystick.

Unable to focus and regain his balance in the two minutes the craft was programmed to stay on course, he lost consciousness and slumped to the floor as the spracecraft started spinning out off course towards the vast expanse of the universe.

*****************

Bang-goon came running towards the Royal Court where Jiwon’s parents were.

“Your Royalness!” he shouted as he barged in through the doors of the Court.

Jaejin and Jiyong stood up as soon as Bang-goon barrelled towards them. Their son’s chief guardian kept watch over Jiwon’s travel. If he came running before Jiwon’s designated arrival, it only means something happened.

“Bang-goon, what news?” Jaejin’s voice thundered through the court worriedly.

“Your Royalness, His Highness’ craft has shifted off course. He crashed landed.”

Sunghoon’s 4th comeback was successful. His beautiful voice bringing life to plain words.

Jiwon has been teasing Sunghoon about the title song, Invisible Greeting. The introduction sounds like a part of a Chinese song. Every time he hears the song, he can’t help but see Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan in his mind. ‘He should have asked Jaejin to do a featuring,’ Jiwon thought chuckling.

‘Where is he by the way?’ Jiwon wondered. Sunghoon has been busy the past week. Again. Whenever he asks what he’s doing, the only answer he gets is, “Its a surprise hyung.”

“Hmmm…Do you know what big Hoony is up to little Hoony?” Jiwon asks as he scratches the little puppys chin.

Little Hoony wagged his tail in response.

DJ: next song we have is a digital single from Sechskies’ killer smile, Kang Sunghoon titled My Hero!

I believe I need you. Always be it’s my life. You’re my friend, you’re my heart. I never say you, goodbye. Days gone by, always by your side. You always have, uhm, when it gets hard. What happened to me, only you. When I was a small kid, for me who was weak, the one who fought hard. Yeah, like a cartoon. It’s just like the protagonist; you were shining in those days.

You are the best friend, now and forever. Till the sun disappear, until that day, always by your side, proudly, you want to stay, the best friend. I’ll give you my all. If we are together, there’s nothing to fear. The most precious in the world, a shining name, I’m a friend.

For a man, it’s a lot awkward. Warm words, yeah, as always, you do not have to say. If you are, I know my whole mind.

Time goes by, a long time ago, oh no. Our appearance, even if it changes, my heart is like this forever.

Sunghoon quietly came inside Jiwon’s house while Jiwon was listening to his new song. As the song ended, Sunghoon hugged Jiwon from behind.

“Hi hyung. Did you like my new song?” Sunghoon asked.

“Hoon-ah! You surprised me!” Jiwon said as he turned around in Sunghoon’s embrace.

“Did you like my new song? Did you listen to the lyrics carefully?” Sunghoon asked Jiwon with a kiss.

“Yeah.”

“Well?” Sunghoon prompted.

“That the poem you made when we were still in Hawaii?” Jiwon asked.

“Yup. That’s the poem I made for you.” Sunghoon removed little Hoony from Jiwon’s arms. “At that time I thought of you as my best friend. A good hyung that takes care of me. I didn’t know what I felt then was not just simple love. I know its a day early, I really wanted the song to be released tomorrow, on our special day…but anyway, even if I can’t tell everyone how special you are to me I want the words my heart wanted to tell you be shared to our fans. It took me time but I finally found the notes to match them. Saranghae hyung.” Sunghoon kissed Jiwon. Long and passionate.

2005
Its rare for Sechskies members to be seen together on a show after they disbanded. This Real Talk episode is special since its Jiwon’s 4th album comeback and Sunghoon and Jaejin are guests.

Sunghoon, Jiwon and Jaejin are watching the VCR Jiwon took of his house where he’s proudly showing his Sechskies pillow, Jekki albums and video collection. As Jiwon focused the camera by the door, Jiwon’s favorite roommate made an appearance.
“Jiwon hyung! How come your dog looks like Sunghoon-ie?!” Jaejin exclaimed.
Not knowing what to say, Sunghoon can only look helplessly at Jiwon.
Jiwon laughed, “She does kinda look like Sunghoon doesn’t she?”
“She?” Sunghoon asked, eyebrows raised.
“Yup, she’s my girlfriend, Torri. She keeps me company when I’m alone and lonely.” Jiwon said
“Now, that’s a good girlfriend.” Sunghoon answered back.

Jiwon’s house, after Real Talk taping
Little Hoony happily welcomed Jiwon and Sunghoon as they entered Jiwon’s house. Tail wagging fast and jumping around.
“Hello my baby, little Hoony.” Jiwon said as he picked up little Hoony, cradling him. “Where’s my kiss, my baby?” Asking for a kiss.
“I thought you said he’s a she?” Sunghoon asked.
“I can’t really say my baby’s a he and his name is little Hoony right?” Jiwon answered scratching little Hoonys tummy. “But he does stay with me when I’m alone and lonely. Dont you baby?” Talking to little Hoony. “He also sleeps with me so I wouldn’t feel the emptiness beside me. You’re a good baby aren’t you my baby little Hoony?” Jiwon said while scratching little Hoony’s chin.
Hearing what Jiwon has been saying and seeing how much attention he’s been giving little Hoony, Sunghoon can’t help but be jealous.
“So little Hoony has been good to you.” Sunghoon said.
“Yup! My little Hoony has been very good.” Jiwon answered back hugging little Hoony close.
“If that’s the case I’ll leave you two love birds alone.” Sunghoon said. Turning his back fast, tears glistening his eyes.
“Hey! Where’s my baby going?!” Jiwon put little Hoony down and ran after Sunghoon pulling him close.
“Its OK hyung. I know I’ve been a bad boyfriend. I haven’t always been there for you. I’m glad at least little Hoony is serving his purpose. Just call me when you want to spend time with me.” Sunghoon answered his voice cracking.
“My baby is always jealous of little Hoony.” Jiwon said as he held Sunghoon’s face smiling. “Come here my big baby Hoony. Let me see that pretty face and the beautiful smile I love so much.”
“No hyung, seriously its OK. Just spend time with little Hoony. Call me when you want me over.” He may want to stay and spend time with Jiwon but Sunghoon has pride too.
Jiwon encircled his arms around Sunghoon’s waist his hands reaching for the sides and tickled Sunghoon. “No fair!” Sunghoon shouted while laughing.
“There’s my sunshine!” Jiwon said his hand caressing Sunghoon’s cheek. “You do know I love you right?” Jiwon asked.
“Yeah…its just that…”
“You should never be jealous. Of anyone. You know you are always in my heart. You will always be on my mind. You’re my love, my dear, my world. I don’t know where I’ll if you’re not with me.” Jiwon paused.
Sunghoon, touched by what Jiwon said cannot stop his tears from falling and leaned his head on the crook of Jiwon’s neck.
Jiwon took pleasure in their embrace before taking a step back, wiped the tears from Sunghoon’s cheeks and continued, “My sweet baby, my sunshine, my Hoony I love you and only you.” Jiwon sealed his declaration with a kiss.